Umbrella construction



C. 16,y 1951 E DlAMOND 2,571,122

UMBRELLA CONSTRUCTION Filed Nov. 26, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

BY /w A* @OPA/iy oct. 16, 1951 E, D|AMOND 2,571,122

UMBRELLA CONSTRUCTION Filed Nov. 426, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IAQ-@Wei VV ENTOR. 2 9

@a4/JW 0 fof/Vey Oct. 16, 1951 E, DIAMOND 2,571,122

v UMBRELLA CONSTRUCTION.

Filed Nov. 26, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 f1.9'- 6? v Fig. 7.

rra/engr Patented Oct. 16, 1951 UMBRELLA CONSTRUCTION Emanuel Diamond, Philadelphia, Pa., assigner of one-half to Clarence Frankford, Havertown, Pa.

Application November 26, 1948, Serial No. 62,031

l The present invention relates generally to umbrellas and the like and it relates more particularly to an umbrellaA construction wherein a button-and-tie closure is sewn to the cover closely adjacent one of the tips which fasten the cover to the ribs.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved umbrella construction. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for quickly and eiectively sewing a button-and-tie closure element to the umbrella-cover closely adjacent one of the tips by which the cover is connected to the ribs.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description, appended claims and accompanying drawings.

It is customary to provide umbrellas, and particularly womens and .childrens umbrellas, with a closure element consisting of a tie or'tape adapted to t around and enclose the free ends of the ribs so as to maintain them in closely adjacent relationship; one end of the tie or tape being sewn, together with an overlying button, to the umbrella-cover closely adjacent one of the tips, while the other end of the tie or tape carries a metal ring or the like which ts over and couples with the button in conventional manner so as to form a generally continuous loop.

In the past, the sewing of the button-and-tie to the cover has been a hand operation requiring a minute or more to perform. This handsewing operation has not only been relatively costly, from the standpoint of time and labor required, but, in addition, has been objectionable for the reason that, with operators working at high speed, a considerable proportion of the ties are fastened on insecurely or non-uniformly.

While automatic button-sewing machines have, of course, been in use for many years, it has heretofore been impossible to use them in conjunction with the umbrella button-and-tie sewing operation, described above, for the reason that the sewing must be done so closely adjacent the relatively large and rigid umbrella-tip, which interferes with the operation of the needle in the conventional button-sewing machine.

According to the present invention, there has been developed, for the rst time, a novel method of, and apparatus for, automatically sewing the button-and-tie closure element on to the umbrella-cover closely adjacent the tip, in a fraction of the time required for a hand-sewing operation and in a manner which ensures a secmrel 6ClaimS. (Cl. 112-114) fastening and maximum uniformity of the tie in mass production.

Generally speaking, the present invention contemplates a new and improved apparatus for automatically sewing a button-and-tie on to an umbrella-cover, in such a way that the closely adjacent tip is held firmly and securely away from the needle, while the cover, button and tie are also held rmly and securely to permit the needle to pass through the button, the tie and the underlying seamed portion of the cover to ensure secure and uniformL ainxation of the button-and-tie to the cover in predetermined relationship to the tip and the seam.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the accompanying drawings forms thereof which are at present preferred, although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which the invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and organizations of the-instrumentalities as herein shown and described. v

Referring to the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters indicate like parts throughout:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of an automatic button-sewing machine embodying the present invention.

Figure 2 represents a front elevational view of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figure 3 represents a fragmentary front elevational view generally like that of Figure 2 but showing the button-holder in raised position.

Figure 4 represents a fragmentary side elevation-al view showing the front end of the embodiment of Figure 2. v

Figure 5 represents a perspective view of the base-plate of the embodiment of Figures 1-4.

Figure 6 represents a fragmentary perspective view of the embodiment of Figures 1-4, showing a preliminary stage in the operation wherein the button-clamp is in elevated position and the umbrell-a-tip is positioned on the tip-holder.

Figure 7 represents a view generally like that of Figure 6 but showing a subsequent step wherein the button has been inserted within the button-holder and wherein the cover has been turned so that the seam extends generally at right angles to, instead of generally parallel to, the tip so as to extend across the needle-opening and the aligned groove in the spacer-portion of the base-plate and wherein the tie has been positioned so that its `folded-under end is belofw the vbutton with the remainder of the tie extending generally parallel to the tip and at right angles to the seam.

Figure rla represents a cross-sectional view generally along the line 1a-1a of Figure '1.

Figure 8 represents a perspective view generally like those of Figures 6 and '1 but showing a still later stage in the operation wherein the buttonholder has been lowered to bring the button into juxtaposition with the tie; the under surfaces of the jaws of the button-holder also serving securely to hold the button, tie and cover in4 generally immovable relationship to the spacerportion and, at the same time, serving to holdv the umbrella-tip firmly upon the tip-holder.

Figure 9 represents a cross-sectional view generally along the line 9-9 of Figure 8 but showing the needle in the lowered position, extending through the holes in the button and penetrating the tie and the cover.

Figure 10 represents a more or less schematic plan view of the'base-plate, button-holder and associated parts indicating the movement thereof during the sewing operation.

Figure 11 represents a fragmentary perspective view of a modified form of the present invention wherein the spacer-portion is elirnin nated from the base-plate and, instead, one of Ythe jaws of the button-holder is provided with a lowermost spacer-extension.

Figure 12 represents a cross-sectional view generally like that of Figure 9 but showing the embodiment of Figure 1'1.

Figure 13 represents a fragmentary perspective view of an umbrella to which has been secured a button-and-tie closure element in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 14 represents a fragmentary plan view, on an enlarged scale, showingvthe relationship of the button, tie and tip of the umbrella.

Figure 15 represents a cross-sectional View generally along the line |-I5 of Figure 14.

In Figures l-10, there is shown a button-sewing machine which has been adapted to affix a button-and-tie unit to an umbrella-cover, in accordance with the present invention.

Except as to those features which will be specifically described hereinbelow, the machine which is shown generally in Figure 1, is a conventional button-sewing machine, the construction and operation of which are known to, and understood by, those skilled in the art. Thus, for example,

'the machine may be the single-thread chainstitch automatic button-sewing machine sold commercially by The Singer Manufacturing Co.

as machine No. 114-32. or No. 114-33. Since the general construction and mode of operation are well-known to those skilled in the sewing machine art, the following description will be directed only to so much of the construction and operation as are necessary to an understanding of the improvements which have been incorporated in the machine in accordance with the present invention.

As indicated particularly in Figure 1, the` sewing machine includes a frame or housing, indicated generally by the reference character 2D, having a vertically reciprocal needle 2| mounted at its front end 2'2. The machine is adapted to be driven by an electric motor (not shown) through a drive-belt 23 which fits over a pulley 24 as indicated in Figure 1.

A Work-holder assembly 25, which is indicated more or less schematically in Figure 10, is adapted to be moved in a horizontal plane, by appropriate cam-mechanism (not shown) during .in Figures 7-9.

4 the stitching operation so as to permit the needle to enter each of the four holes of the button in a manner to be more fully described below.

The work-holder assembly is provided with a button-holder 26 which can be raised and lowered by an appropriate foot-pedal (not shown) and which includes a pair of opposed jaws 21 and 28 constructed and arranged to hold a button therebetween in vertical alignment with the needle 2|, in the manner indicated particularly A center-bar 2li-a is provided intermediate the jaws 21 and 28 so as to provide an inner stop for the button, as indicated particularly in Figure '7.,

The work-.holderv 25 also includes a base-plate '29 which is shown particularly in Figure 5. The `linee-plate 23 is a thin fiat generally-rectangular member having a spacer-portion 30 extending upwardly therefrom.

The spacer-portion 30 is generally hollow and its top VWall 3| is provided with an opening 32 which is in vertical alignment with the button and the needle so that the needle can pass through said opening during the sewing operationyin the manner indicated in Figure 9.

In the embodiment of Figures 1-9, the transverse dimension of the opening 32 is suiiiciently large to permit lateral or transverse shifting of the work-holder relative to the needle (which 'is necessary to permit the needle to make the stitches in all of the four holes of the button).

Where the machine is adapted to sew two-hole buttons, the lateral shifting of the work-holder is unnecessary and the transverse dimension of the -opening32 can be reduced correspondingly.

The top wall 3| is also provided with a groove 33 which extends transversely from the inner edge ofthe opening 32 to the opposite side edge of the spacer-portion 30.

The work-holder 25 also includes a generally IL-shaped tip-holder 31|, whose free end 35 extends toward the vfront of the work-holder in a generally horizontal plane below the right jaw 28 and at a level slightly'lower than the top wall 3|, Vas indicated particularly in Figures 2-4; the free end 35 terminating just vshort of the needle 22|,l as shown particularly* in Figure 4.

The inner end 36 of the tip-holder 34 extends through a Uf-shaped support 31. A collar 38 is mountedv on the portion 36 of the tip-holder 34 intermediate the UY-shaped support 31 and is adj'ustably fastened thereto by a set-screw 39. A helical spring 40 is'also disposed on the end 36 and has one end fastened to the support 31 and the other end fastened to the collar 38 so as to tensicn the end 36 (clockwise in Figure 4) in a manner tending normally to retain the free end 35 in a generally horizontal plane spaced somewhat above the base-plate 29. However, when downward pressure is applied on the free end 35, it will move downward, against the spring 40, in themanner indicated in Figures 8 and 9.

The base-plate 29 may, optionally, be grooved as at 29-b (the groove partially underlying the tip-holder 34 but extending somewhat therebeyond toward the front end of the base-plate) so as to provide a slight depression to receive the excess thickness of cover material underlying the tip and thereby to prevent the tip from being held at an excessively high level (above that of the spacer-portion 30) where the underlying portion ofthe coverinateiial is excessively bulky.

In aiiixing a button-and-tie unit to an umbrella-cover, in accordance `with the present invention, the umbrella-cover 'C is first formed with a tip-holder 34; the open end of the tip tting over the free end 35 so that the tip is in vertical alignment with the right jaw 28 of the button-holder 26.

This preliminary step is indicated schematically in Figure 6.

After the tip has thus been positioned upon the tip-holder, the cover is turned so that the seam S extends tranversely and to the left instead of in line with the tip T. As indicated particularly in Figure '7, the seam S, in this position, ex-

v tends across the opening 32 and within the groove 33 in thertop wall 3| of the spacer-portion 30. As indicated particularly in Figure la, the groove 33 accommodates the relatively bulky seam S s that there is no appreciable upward bulge of the cover beyond the top wall 3|.

A button B is then positioned intermediate the jaws 21 and 28 and a tie or tape A is positioned Vso that it extends generally at right angles to the seam S (and app-arently to the tip T) with one end disposed (preferably in doubled-under position) intermediate the button B and the seam S of the cover C.

The foot-pedal is then released whereupon the button-holder 26 is automatically lowered until its jaws 27 and 28 contact the cover C and hold it securely against the top wall 3| of the spacerportion 30.

During this downward movement of the button-holder 26, the right jaw 28 rst strikes the y uppermost edge of the tip T (which protrudes somewhat upward beyond the top wall 3| when the free end 35 is in its normal horizontal position, as indicated in Figure 7a) and forces the tip- T and the free end 35 downwardruntil the closed end of the tip T strikes the base-plate 29, as indicated particularly in Figure 9, so that the tip is held nrmly upon the free end 35 intermediate the right jaw 28 and the base-plate 29, with the groove Z-b accommodating the underlying cover material.

In this lowermost position of the button-holder 26, the folded-under end of the tie V is pressed securely against the seam S of the cover C, and

the button is held directly above and closely adjacent the tie.

With the tip, cover, tie and button thus held securely in predetermined relationship to each other, another foot-pedal (not shown) is depressed so as to engage an appropriate clutch (not shown) and thereby to drive the machine from the electric motor through the drive belt ton B, after which the work-holder can move laterally (to the right in Figures 8-10) thereby to bring the needle in line with the left holes of the button, after which the work-holder can again reciprocate back and forth to cause the needle to stitch in the left holes, followed by a nal diagonal knotting stitch.

By way of illustration, the machine can be adjusted so as to make fourteen stitches (including cross-over and knotting stitch) automatically with each depression of the foot-pedal and thereafter to stop with the button and tie securely fastened to the cover (with the button stitching spanning the seam S).

As mentioned above, the machine can also be 4set so as to eliminate the lateral movement of the work-holder where two-hole buttons are used.

At the end of the stitching-and-knotting operation, a trimmer-knife (not shown) located below the plate 29 automatically cuts the thread; the needle 2| returning to the uppermost starting position shown in Figure 2. Thereafter, the first-mentioned foot-pedal is depressed so as t0 raise the button-holder to its uppermost position as indicated in Figure 3.

As the jaws 27 and 28 move upward, a pressure on the cover and the tip is released and the cover (with the button-and-tie affixed) can then be removed.

Thereafter, the cover C is attached to an umbrella frame in conventional manner, with the tips T turned under and fitted over the ends of the ribs R, in the manner indicated particularly in Figures 14 and 15. l

In the nal structure, the button B is closely adjacent (and, indeed, partially overlies) the adjoining tip T; the stitching spanning the seam S of the cover and securely fastening the button and tie thereto.

The other end of the tie or tape A is provided with a metal ring D which can nt over and couple with the button B when the tie or tape is looped around the tips of the closed umbrella, in the manner indicated in Figure 13.

In Figures l1 and l2 there is shown a modied embodiment of the present invention wherein the base-plate 2li-a is provided with an opening BZ-a; the spacer-portion 3G -being eliminated from the base-plate. e

In this embodiment, the left jaw 2'l-a is provided with a downwardly extending spacer or foot 4| having a transverse groove 42 formed in its bottom wall 43.

In other respects, the embodiment of Figures l1 and 12 is similar to that of Figures 1-9.

The method of operation of this embodiment is generally similar to that described hereinabove.

Thus, the tip T is first positioned on the free end 35 of the tip-holder 34, after which the seam is turned to extend sideways to the left, across the opening 32-a.

Thereafter, the button-holder is lowered so as to bring the spacer 4| down against the cover (with the seam S accommodated within the groove 42) and, at the same time, the right jawV zitxis. simplerffor the operator to position` the cover ,properly with the--space`r raised outof the way.

.Instead of having the work-holder assembly p25,reciprocateforwardly `and backward and from -:side-to'side inthe manner described'above, it is ,the cover, the operation of this embodiment isexactly the sameas described hereinabove.

While, for purposes of illustration, thenovel apparatus of the present invention has been-.de-

vscribed as used in conjunction with the sewing of buttons, the present invention is not so limited.

and, instead, contemplates the sewing on of snapfasteners and other similar fastening elements by stitching on to the cover at a point spanning one of the seams closely adjacent the adjoining tip.

As mentioned hereinabove, the novel lapparatus of the present invention for the iirst time permits the automatic afiixation of a button- .and-tie closely adjacent one of the tips of an umbrella-cover, in a much -more secure, dependable and uniform manner, and in a fraction of the time, than is the case with hand-sewing.

The present invention has proven itself, in actual practice, to increase output by as much as 600% or more, compared to conventional handsewing methods heretofore employed, with resultant savings in labor cost, while, at the same time, producing a much more desirable product from the standpoint of strength, uniformity and appearance.

The present invention may be embodied in other specic forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired'that the present embodiments be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, referencebeing had to the appended claims ratherthan to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, I.,claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent:

1. A machine for sewing a button-and-tie closure upon an umbrella cover constructed of a plurality of segments seamed together along generally radial lines and having a tip'fastene'd at the outer end of eachseam; said machine including a vertically reciprocable needle, a baseplate, a button-holder adapted to hold a button in vertical alignment with the needle and Yconstructed and arranged to be raised'and lowered relative to said base-plate, a tip-holderl yieldably mounted adjacent said base-plate and constructed and arranged to receive oneof the tips il of said cover and to hold it generally in vertical alignment with the button-holder so that when `the button-holder is in lowermost position the tip will be held rmly between Vthe buttonholder and the base-plate, and a-spacer element f :is: in lowermostposition with its 4seam extending underneath the button whereby the needle'can :move downward through the button,an underlying tie and the cover so as to stitch the-button and tie securely to the cover closelyadjacent -the tip, with the stitches spanning `the seam'line.

r2. A machine for sewing a button-'and-tle .closure'upon an umbrella cover constructed of `a plurality of segments seamed together along generally radial lines and having a tip fastened-at .the outer end of each seam; said machine including a vertically reciprocable needle,.a baseplateya button-holder adapted to 'hold a button in-vertical alignment with the needle and constructed and arranged to be raised and lowered .relative to said base-plate, a tip-holder yieldably mounted adjacent said base-plate and con- .structed andarranged to receive-one'of thetps Yof said coverand to hold it generally in vertical alignment with the button-holdervso that whenthe button-holder is in lowermost position thetip will be held firmly between the buttonholder. andthe base-plate, and a spacer element .constructed .and arranged to limit the downward movement of the button-holder relative to the base-plate whereby the button is maintained Yat a slightly higher level than the tip, said cover being clamped securely when the button-holder is in lowermost position with its seam extending underneath the button whereby the needle can move downward through the button, an underlying tie and the cover so as to stitch the button and tie securely to the cover closely adjacent the tip, .with the stitches spanning theseam line, said spacer element having a groove formed in its cover-contacting face so as to accommodate the relatively bulky seam of the cover and thereby to ensure a secure clamping action on either side of the seam line.

3. A machine for sewing a button-and-tie closure upon an umbrella cover constructed of a plurality of segments seamed togetherA along generally radial lines and having a tip fastened at the outer end of each seam; said machine including a vertically reciprocable needle, a baseplate, a button-holder adapted to hold a button in vertical alignment with the needle and constructed and arranged to be raised and lowered relative to said base-plate, a tip-holder yieldably mounted adjacent said base-plate and constructed and arranged to receive one of the tips of said cover and to hold it generally in ver- 'tical alignment with the button-holder so that when `the button-holder is in lowermost position the tip will be held firmly between the button-holder and the base-plate, an upwardly-protruding spacer-element mounted on the base-plate and having a needle-opening `formed therein, said spacer element being constructed and arranged to limit the downward movement of the button-holder so as to maintain the button at a somewhat higher level than the tip, said cover being adapted to be positioned 'so'that its seam 'extends transversely across the ltop of the spacer element and beneath the button, said cover and an intervening tie being clamped rmly in predetermined relationship beneath the button when saidbutton-holder is in lowermost position, whereby the needle can pass through the button, the tie and the cover so as to stitch the button and tie `firmly to the cover closely-adjacent the tip with the stitches spanning the seam line.

4. A machine vfor sewingva button-and-tie closure upon an umbrella cover constructed 'oi' Va p'lurality'o'f segments -seamed together along generally radial lines and having a tip fastened at the outer end of each seam; said machine including a vertically reciprocable needle, a baseplate, a button-holder adapted to hold a button in vertical alignment with the needle and constructed and arranged to be raised and lowered relative to said base-plate, a tip-holder yieldably mounted adjacent said base-plate and constructed and arranged to receive one of the tips of said cover and to hold it generally in vertical alignment with the buttoneholder so that when the button-holder is in lowermost position the tip will be held firmly between the buttonholder and the base-plate, an upwardly-protruding spacer element mounted on the base-plate and having' a needle-opening formed therein, said spacer element being constructed and arranged to limit the downward movement of the button-holder so as te maintain the button at a somewhat higher level than the tip, said spacer having a transverse groove formed in its upper surface in continuation of said needle-opening whereby the cover can be positioned so that its seam extends across the needle-opening and within the groove, said cover and an intervening tie being clamped rmly in predetermined relationship beneath the button when said button-holder is in lowermost position, whereby the needle can pass through the button, the tie and the cover so as to stitch the button and tie firmly to the cover closely adjacent the tip with the stitches spanning the seam line.

5. A machine for sewing a button-and-tie closure upon an umbrella cover constructed of a plurality of segments seamed together along generally radial lines and having a tip fastened at the outer end of each seam; said machine including a vertically reciprocable needle, a baseplate having a needle-opening formed therein, a button-holder adapted to hold a button in vertical alignment with the needle and constructed and arranged to be raised and lowered relative to said base-plate, a tip-holder yieldably mounted adjacent said base-plate and constructed and arranged to receive one of the tips of said cover and to hold it generally in vertical alignment with the button-holder so that when the buttonholder is in lowermost position the tip will be held firmly between the button-holder and the base-plate, a spacer formed on the under surface of the button-holder and constructed and arranged to limit the downward movement of the button-holder relative to the base-plate whereby the button is at a slightly higher level than the tip, said cover being adapted to be clamped securely intermediate said spacer and said base-plate with its seam extending across the needle-opening when said button-holder is in lowermost position, whereby said needle can pass through the button, an intervening tie and the cover so as to stitch the button and tie securely to the cover closely adjacent the tip with the stitches spanning the seam line.

6. A machine for sewing a button-and-tie closure upon an umbrella cover constructed of a plurality of segments seamed together along generally radial lines and having a tip fastened at the outer end of each seam; said machine including a vertically reciprocable needle, a baseplate having a needle-opening formed therein, a button-holder adapted to hold a button in vertical alignment with the needle and constructed and arranged to be raised and lowered relative to said base-plate, a tip-holder yieldably mounted adjacent said base-plate and constructed and arranged to receive one ci the tips of said cover and to hold it generally in vertical alignment with the button-holder so that when the buttonholder is in lowermost position the tip will be held rmly between the button-holder and the base-plate, a spacer formed on the under surface of the button-holder and constructed and arranged to limit the downward movement of the button-holder relative to the base-plate whereby the button is at a slightly higher level than the tip, said spacer having a transverse groove formed on its lower surface whereby said cover can be positioned so that its seam extends across the needle-opening and within said groove when said button-holder is in lowermost position, the button and an intervening tie being held securely in predetermined relationship to the seam of the cover whereby the needle can pass through the button, the tie and the cover so as to stitch the button and tie securely to the cover closely adjacent the tip with the stitches spanning the seam line.

EMANUEL DIAMOND.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

